2014 London Taxis INT TX4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 London Taxis INT TX4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 London Taxis INT TX4 than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Engine oil leaks4.3× usual
  London Taxis INT TX4

  13.9% All 2014 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  London Taxis INT TX4

  17.8% All 2014 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 1.5% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  London Taxis INT TX4

  9.3% All 2014 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Steering boxnull× usual
  London Taxis INT TX4

  5.5% All 2014 cars

  0%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Wheel bearings6.4× usual
  London Taxis INT TX4

  6.4% All 2014 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2014 London Taxis INT TX4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 London Taxis INT TX4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  15% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 London Taxis INT TX4

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2014 London Taxis INT TX4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2014 London Taxis INT TX4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2014 London Taxis INT TX4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?